Anglesey Coastal Road Trip Ranked Among the UK's Most Scenic Driving Routes

Anglesey’s spectacular coastal road trip has been recognised as one of the most scenic driving routes in the UK, with the island’s breathtaking coastline earning a place among Britain’s top destinations for summer road trips.

New research has ranked the Anglesey Coastal Route seventh in the UK after analysing some of the country’s best-known driving routes using social media popularity. The study, carried out by House of Bruar using RAC route data, found the North Wales favourite has amassed around 35,000 Instagram hashtags, highlighting its appeal to holidaymakers, photographers and road trip enthusiasts.

With the summer holiday season now in full swing, the accolade is expected to boost interest in one of North Wales’ most picturesque destinations.

Although the Anglesey Coastal Path is best known as one of Wales’ premier long-distance walking trails, motorists can experience many of the same spectacular landscapes by following the island’s coastal roads, particularly the A5025 and A4080.

The circular journey begins after crossing the iconic Menai Suspension Bridge from mainland Wales before following much of Anglesey’s 130-mile coastline. Along the way, drivers are treated to uninterrupted views across the Irish Sea, picturesque fishing villages and some of the region’s most celebrated landmarks.

Among the highlights is South Stack Lighthouse, dramatically perched on a small rocky island off Holy Island’s rugged cliffs. One of North Wales’ most photographed attractions, the lighthouse offers spectacular coastal scenery and opportunities to spot seabirds and marine wildlife.

The route also passes the magnificent Beaumaris Castle, the unfinished medieval fortress built by Edward I and now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before continuing through the sweeping dunes and woodland of Newborough Warren, one of Wales’ most important nature reserves.

On clear days, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views across the Menai Strait towards the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia), making the journey one of Britain’s most memorable coastal drives.

The research comes as increasing numbers of holidaymakers choose UK staycations, with scenic driving routes becoming increasingly popular among families and couples exploring Britain’s coastline.

UK’s Top Scenic Road Trips

According to the study, the UK’s eight most scenic road trips are:

Jurassic Coast Drive (Dorset and Devon) – 522,000 Instagram hashtags
North Coast 500 (Scotland) – 181,000
Pembrokeshire Coast 200 (Wales) – 147,000
Cheddar Gorge (Somerset) – 109,000
Causeway Coastal Route (Northern Ireland) – 82,800
Moray Firth Route (Scottish Highlands) – 56,000
Anglesey Coastal Route (North Wales) – 35,000
Snake Pass (Peak District) – 22,600

The ranking reinforces Anglesey’s reputation as one of Wales’ premier tourism destinations, combining stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, historic castles, wildlife and unforgettable sea views within a relatively compact island.

For businesses across North Wales, continued recognition of the region’s tourism appeal provides an important boost, helping attract visitors who support hotels, restaurants, attractions, independent retailers and local hospitality businesses throughout the busy summer season.

The full study can be viewed here: https://www.houseofbruar.com/the-8-best-uk-road-trips-for-summer/